Nokia Announces Plans for HERE Apps for Windows Phone 8

Nokia this week revealed its plans for getting its superior HERE location and navigation apps into the hands of Windows Phone 8 handset users. And they’re not just for Lumia users, either: All Windows Phone 8 users will be able to at least obtain or purchase most of these crucial apps.

HERE Maps. This mapping app is provided in-box with all Lumia handsets. Users of other Windows Phone 8 handsets will be able to download HERE Maps for free.

HERE Transit. This public transportation app is provided in-box with all Lumia handsets. Users of other Windows Phone 8 handsets in the US, Canada, Mexico, UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain will be able to download HERE Transit for free. Users of other Windows Phone 8 handsets elsewhere in the world can purchase HERE Transit for €1.99 or similar (in their local currency).

HERE Drive. This app provides turn-by-turn voice navigation for the region in which the phone’s SIM originated. (If you live in the U.S., you get U.S. maps and navigation, for example.) It is provided in-box with the Lumia 520, 521, and 720 and can be for free by users of other Windows Phone 8 handsets in the US, Canada, Mexico, UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain. It will not be made available in other markets.

HERE Drive+. This version of the Drive app provides global navigation capabilities. It is provided in-box with the Lumia 620, 810, 820, 822, 920, 925 and 928. Lumia 520, 521 and 720 users can upgrade to Drive+ for €15.49 (or similar), as can users of other Windows Phone 8 handsets in the US, Canada, Mexico, UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain. Users of other Windows Phone 8 handsets elsewhere in the world can purchase HERE Drive+ for €34.99 or similar (in their local currency).

Additionally, as part of this week’s updates, HERE Drive/Drive+ and HERE Transit are both getting some nice new features.

HERE Drive/Drive+ are getting an “updated, more intuitive user interface” with traffic conditions and a useful new My Commute feature. And HERE Transit features a “significantly redesigned user experience” that will be more familiar to Windows Phone users.